When you’re a new mom and you decided you are finally ready to socialize with your new “club” (of fellow moms), you gear up with baby essentials, wear your comfy shoes, and head out the door into the new world. A sense of excitement fills our beings as we prepare ourselves to share our new experiences with fellow moms. Let’s face it. Who else knows what we are going through?
But make sure you are prepared for the questions cascading your way! In the MOM life, here are some questions which make other moms squirm in their seats and cause their eyes to twitch and purse their lips.
Be careful not to say these 5 things to other moms, Mom!
1. “When are you planning to have another baby?”
Although children bring such a sense of joy, mothers feel awkward being put into the spot when it comes to even hinting to another one. New moms are more vulnerable to the question as they are still adjusting to their new roles, schedules, and routines. Skip the nosy routine and just tell her that her child looks adorable.
2. “Aren’t you breastfeeding your baby?”
There is a lot of pressure for moms to breastfeed their babies. Although WHO declared that newborn babies should be breastfed for the first 6 months of their lives, not all women are able to do so. A lot of women are simply unable to produce enough for their babies’ needs so they turn to formula feeding to happily satisfy their babies. A better alternative is to praise the other mom’s child for looking so healthy and make her feel like she is doing the right thing.
3. “Are you going to vaccinate your children?”
Vaccination sparks a huge debate all over the world. In the old days, hundreds of children die from measles, chickenpox, polio, and other diseases. Over the years, scientists have developed vaccines to combat these diseases and save millions of lives every year. In the US, polio was eradicated in 1979. Despite the success rates, not all parents vaccinate their children. Some parents are picky when it comes to which vaccine is given to their child, and furiously pursue the perfect pediatrician who would understand their reasons. Avoid discussing this if you still want to be on the next birthday party.
4. “You should sleep when the baby sleeps.”
In the ideal world, it is best to rest as soon as your baby decides to snooze. In the real and crazy world, other chores get done as soon as the baby sleeps. Household chores can only be accomplished during those blissful moments when you can put the baby down. Skip this advice!
5. “You shouldn’t let your kids watch too much TV or use gadgets.”
Scientists warn that kids below 3 should not be given any gadgets or TV time. Most parents use gadgets or TV to temporarily distract kids some quiet time. Again, this is a sensitive topic to discuss with other moms, but you can rephrase it by making it seem like you are asking advice rather than pointing out that they are doing something wrong. You can politely ask what games or apps they let their kids use, and how long are they allowed screen time. Surely these moms will be more than willing to let you know how much their kids get, and you can then decide how much to give your own.
Hey there, Martha here, a full-time mom of two, currently trying to bring a small impact in everyone’s life whom I can reach through The Queen Momma. I usually write on topics related to parenting, pregnancy and motherhood. Having gone through a few rocky relationships myself, I consider myself somewhat of an “expert” on topics related to dating and relationships.
I formerly worked at Special Needs Network Inc and BrightStar Care of Beverly Hills as a head manager. I have a passion for assisting organizations and individuals in achieving their objectives and have had the opportunity to do so throughout my professional career. At present, writing for The Queen Momma is a great addition to my professional career.
I watched TV a lot growing up and I was great in school. However, on Sundays we were not allowed to watch TV at all and we did not have electronics. That forced me to read a lot. We also could not watch TV until chores and homework were completed correctly. I also believe that cell phones and TV should be restricted at least 1 day. Good advice.
very good initiative to give informative description of responsibility.
Number 1 should be for all the ladies, why does everyone ask when I plan to have a baby 🙁
Exactly. It’s becoming an epidemic nowadays. But that shouldn’t hinder us from teaching others to be respectful and tactful though. It’s always important to be mindful of one’s words. – on Mom Rules: 5 Things Never to Say to Another Mom